Battle within Hearts

Chapter 1

Shantivan, Raizada Mansion, New Delhi

'Arnav Singh Raizada', a shrill of a cry pierced his ears, awakening him from his sleep. He slowly opened his eyes, letting the sun rays in, adapting himself to the sudden light.

'Arnav, you can never be punctual. Can you?' Again a loud voice brought him to full consciousness, forcing him to stare at the person who dared to spoil his sleep, but his anger just flew away as he took in the presence of his best friend standing with her hands on her hips! With a height that matches his', and an innocent face, she was too cute! A small smile instantly lit up on his lips as he noticed her angry glares.

'You always have this habit of spoiling my beautiful sleep', he complained with a grumpy face.

'I would not have disturbed you, if it was not so important today', she pouted cutely.

'What is it today? Your puppy's birthday?' He asked her sarcastically.

He was smacked with a pillow on his face which he successfully dodged.
'How could you just forget? Our elders are getting our marriage date fixed', she stated with fire spitting out of her eyes.

'Oh shit!' Cursed Arnav, for being the most forgetful person. 'It skipped my mind', he said holding his ears in his fingers and asking sorry in his usual way.

'Its impossible to change you Arnav. India's top businessman who can remember all the deals and the important dates regarding business forgets the trivial things of his own life', she scoffed.

'I am sorry', apologised Arnav honestly that instantly cooled down her anger.

'You better be!' Warned she with a finger pointed towards him. 'Get ready soon. I shall wait downstairs'.

'Where is the other idiot who was supposed to join us?' Queried Arnav.

'He is another lazy goose whom I am friends with. Hey bhagwan, why do I have to befriend only these two in the whole world', she said dramatically facing the ceiling.

'Because you wont get better friends than us, sweetheart. And dont forget, one of them is going to be your husband, whom you need to tolerate for the entire life', said Arnav wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

'Yeah, unfortunately', she pouted only to earn a surprised gasp from Arnav.

'Excuse me!' He bellowed.

'Excused', giggled she and starting running away from Arnav escaping him while he chased her around his room.

'I thought you guys would be missing me', another voice boomed in the room, halting the chase temporarily.

Arnav rolled his eyes at his another best friend, who was his own cousin, his Avantika bua's son, looking dashing with a pair of T-shirt and jeans.

'Adi!' Squealed the girl before embracing the short guy of the group in a tight hug and he lifted her off the ground twirling around.

Arnav's possessive traits popped up as he strode towards them to control the mounting overwhelming emotions.

'I am here too', he said sternly to no one in particular, just reminding them of his presence.

'Oh how can I forget you. Come here', said Adi and pulled Arnav into a tight hug.

'Its been a year guys', said Adi to which the other two nodded.

'You just disappeared all of a sudden to London for the sake of your business and we missed you a lot Adi', said the girl with tears already making their way out of her eyes.